System and Method for Pool Equipment Protection

Abstract

A pool skimmer opening cover system for prevention of intrusion of debris and liquids into the pool filtration system during installation of the pool. The system has at least a first cover and a second cover designed to be installed on the above-ground circular opening of a pool skimmer and the subterranean pool facia rectangular opening. Each cover may be installed into the corresponding location subsequent to pool skimmer installation but prior to the completion of pool construction to prevent the intrusion of debris and liquids into the systems thereof. Each cover may be removed subsequent to installation and construction of the pool to enable use of the skimmer upon such completion. A third cover to be used upon construction completion prior to filling the pool and methods of use and/or installation.

1 . A system to prevent an intrusion of a debris and a plurality of liquids into a pool skimmer during a construction of a pool, the pool having a subterranean area and the pool skimmer having a subterranean portion with a substantially rectangular throated opening substantially perpendicular to a ground and an above ground portion having a substantially round opening substantially parallel to the ground, the system comprising:
 a first cover having a height and a diameter, said diameter corresponding to the substantially round opening of the pool skimmer; and   a second cover having a length and width, said length and said width corresponding to the substantially rectangular throated opening of the pool skimmer;   wherein said first cover is capable of being inserted to surround the substantially round opening of the pool skimmer and said second cover is capable of being inserted to surround the substantially rectangular throated opening of the pool skimmer.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first cover further comprises a top closed end and a bottom open end. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein said top closed end has a first handle and a second handle about a perimeter of said closed end. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the pool skimmer further comprises a plurality of ridges along a surface on the subterranean portion of the pool skimmer therebetween the substantially rectangular throated opening and the substantially round opening. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein said first cover is configured with a plurality of openings to accommodate said plurality of ridges at said bottom open end. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein said first cover and said second cover comprise a polymeric material. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein said polymeric material is rigid. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 6 , further comprising a third cover, said third cover having a second length a second width, and a pair of vertical beveled edges, said second length and said second width corresponding to the substantially rectangular throated opening of the pool skimmer wherein said second cover is capable of being inserted to surround the substantially rectangular throated opening of the pool skimmer. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the pool is constructed with 66° flares from said substantially rectangular throated opening. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein said third cover is beveled at 66° and constructed of an elastomeric material. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said second cover has an at least one handle proximate an edge. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein said height is at least 5 inches. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the pool skimmer has installed therein a 2-inch diameter pressure check pipe having a pipe length. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein said height accommodates said pipe length. 
     
     
         15 . A method for preventing intrusion of debris and a plurality of liquids into a pool skimmer during the construction of a pool, wherein the pool comprises a subterranean area, and the pool skimmer includes a subterranean portion with a substantially rectangular throated opening substantially perpendicular to the ground and an above-ground portion with a substantially round opening substantially parallel to the ground, the method comprising:
 providing a first cover having a height and a diameter, wherein the diameter corresponds to the substantially round opening of the pool skimmer;   providing a second cover having a length and width, wherein the length and width correspond to the substantially rectangular throated opening of the pool skimmer;   inserting the first cover to surround the substantially round opening of the pool skimmer; and   inserting the second cover to surround the substantially rectangular throated opening of the pool skimmer.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the first cover further comprises a top closed end and a bottom open end and said top closed end has a first handle and a second handle about a perimeter of said closed end. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the pool skimmer further comprises a plurality of ridges along a surface on the subterranean portion of the pool skimmer therebetween the substantially rectangular throated opening and the substantially round opening and said first cover is configured with a plurality of openings to accommodate said plurality of ridges at said bottom open end. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein said first cover and said second cover comprise a rigid polymeric material. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising a step of providing a third cover, said third cover having a second length a second width, and a pair of vertical beveled edges, said second length and said second width corresponding to the substantially rectangular throated opening of the pool skimmer wherein said second cover is capable of being inserted to surround the substantially rectangular throated opening of the pool skimmer, said third cover comprises an elastomeric material. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising a step of removing said second cover and installing said third cover.